Project Objectives + Process

• Professional communication: This was done in the form of a contract, weekly memos​, a gantt chart style project plan, and bi-weekly in person meeting​s.

• Online and article research: Identify peer Universities and figure out what they are doing to better support first-generation students. Also reviewing articles and consolidating findings into a shared document.

• In person interviews: Had organic conversations with first-generation students, documenting their stories and responses to support our hypotheses.  

• Gather relevant contacts: Identified key groups on campus (students and faculty groups) relevant to this topic. These can be potential partners or future users of the program.

• Attend networking events: Participated in professional readiness/networking events on campus and took notes. The goal was to understand the relevancy of these events to what we were trying to accomplish, and document my personal perception to identify any gaps in programming or best practices in communicating student opportunities.

• Develop a survey: Helped develop a survey through Google Survey to send to alumni and current first-generation students to obtain evidence.

• Host a discussion hour event: Created a space for first-generation students, alumni, and faculty can all share their thoughts and ideas. Facilitated activities that fostered idea generation and collaboration. The goal was to validate or deny our hypotheses. The results from this event will be useful evidence when the program is being implemented.

Project Outcomes

• 200+ responses on surveys sent out.

• ~20 in attendance at successful event. 

• Student voices heard on a large scale.

• 30+ pages of relevant research.

• Learning experience for entire team involved.